The following is a guest blog post from Curtis Fisher who writes for tradesbright.org Tradesbright, an online blog site to highlight the many stories of tradespeople who’ve gone above and beyond by using their skills to better their communities and help their neighbors | Image via Pexels
Our homes are our safe havens so it makes sense we’d want to do everything we can to make them the healthiest places to live possible.
Healthy Home Upgrades for the DIYer (And How to Hire a Good Professional When Necessary)
A home is a refuge, a sanctuary, a place of peace and comfort. What work you put into your home will have a direct correlation to your overall health and well-being. In fact, some home remodeling projects could dramatically impact your health and provide substantial benefits. If you are considering some home upgrade projects, why not aim for projects that will positively impact your life? Read on as we explore some possibilities.
The Air You Breathe
While some of the bigger projects and remodels may seem most appealing aesthetically, some of the hidden improvements can have the largest impact on your health. For instance, the type of furnace filter you use directly impacts the air quality in your house. Healthline explains that a good air filter can reduce pet dander, mold, smoke and other allergens.
If you suffer from allergies or asthma, it’s worth upgrading your HVAC with a HEPA filter. A HEPA filter can help you reduce pollutants in your home and allow you to rest easy knowing you have a top-of-the-line defense. HEPA filters and their supporting systems are pricey but certainly worth it when needed.
A Bathroom Oasis
Two rooms you most certainly will use every day are your bedroom and bathroom. Investing in those rooms will increase the value in your home but also make you a happier, healthier person.
When it comes to the bathroom, consider making your shower a steam shower. Steam showers can reduce stress, mitigate aches and pain, ease arthritis, clear skin, and open sinuses. The simple addition of a shower seat allows you to lounge and relax, or adjust your position to soak and stretch. Aromatherapy will take your new shower to the next level. The simple addition of scents like lavender for relaxation, tea tree for fungus, and eucalyptus for antibacterial qualities means your shower is promoting your wellness that much more.
DIY
While some remodels and upgrades require a professional, Bob Vila notes many of them are simple enough that you can do the work yourself and save money on labor. For instance, a little paint on the walls in a color that brings you peace and joy can go a long way in fostering your mental health. All you need is a can of paint, paintbrushes and rollers, floor coverings, and a good ladder to get to those hard-to-reach spots.
Finding the Right Man (or Woman) for the Job
While it is possible for you to change out fixtures, refurbish kitchen cabinets, paint the walls, and do some of your own demolition, there are other projects that require the attention of a professional. A few examples of these include plumbing, electrical, tile, wood floor installations, roof repair, and building whole additions.
When hiring a professional, you should always check references, examine qualifications, certifications, and insurance, make sure you are comfortable with them, and ask for quotes. Once you have decided on the professional—but before they start work—This Old House says to set a payment schedule to put terms in writing.
Keep in mind the lowest quote isn’t necessarily the best. If you opt to install that new steam shower and your contractor is not qualified, you could risk mold growing in walls, deterioration of drywall, poor plumbing, exposed electrical wiring, or improperly installed tile.
Paying for Improvements
While many simple DIY repairs and improvements won’t cost too much, if you need to hire a professional, the costs can go up dramatically. To complete these projects, you may want to consider a cash-out refinance. This option allows homeowners to give up some equity in their home for a cash infusion which can then be used to pay for home improvements. If you’re a military veteran, a VA cash out refi has the added benefit of being tax deductible.
Your home deserves all the TLC you can give it, if such care will result in an easier, healthier, more happy life for you and your loved ones. Investing in big and small upgrades and remodels will lead to a better quality of life while also improving the value of your home. For the projects you can do on your own, you should try, if not only to save money but also for the satisfaction it will give you. But don’t hesitate to enlist the help of a professional when needed.
This is a guest blog post from Curtis Fisher who writes for tradesbright.org
